After three solo releases Debbie Harwood formed the Kiwi phenomenon When the Cat's Away that in the late 80s was named ‘Top Group’ at the NZ Music Awards as well as celebrating a gold album and the No 1 single Melting Pot. Harwood also won 'Most Promising Female Vocalist' in 1985, ‘Most Promising Group’ in 1987 and was a finalist in the category of ‘Best Female Artist’ at the 2006 NZ Music Awards amongst other accolades. She sang on the official song for the Commonwealth Games in 1990 and then joined Jimmy Barnes' and Diesel's bands as backing vocalist and toured Australia extensively. Since 1996 Harwood has produced several albums (she was a finalist for 'Producer of the Year' at the NZ Music Awards for her album Peaches).

When the Cat's Away toured and recorded again in 2001 and 2002 achieving Platinum sales for their live album with Sharon O'Neill and had yet another hit single with Asian Paradise. In 2009 Debbie put together a stellar line-up of some of NZ’s greatest women singer/songwriters. The concept called ‘Give It a Girl’ featured Sharon O’Neill, Shona Laing, Margaret Urlich, Annie Crummer, Julia Deans, Lisa Crawley and Debbie herself. Debbie currently performs with her band ‘Debbie Harwood & the Band of Gold’ – a high-energy rock band with an emphasis on iconic Kiwi hits perfect for any party or event.